The male White Rhino had not shown any signs of illness and initial investigations suggest a liver problem, which is unlikely to be related to the unknown illness that affected the herd in 2012.

Samples collected post mortem have been submitted for laboratory investigation with a view to identifying the cause of death. Results from these tests are expected in the coming weeks.

Digger was a young adult and was introduced to the herd in August 2013 after arriving from Monarto Zoo in South Australia. He had settled in well to the herd at Taronga Western Plains Zoo. Keepers are saddened by his passing as they had developed a close bond with him during his time at the Zoo and were very fond of him.